The European Commission announced on Wednesday that it has set the launch date for the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) for October 2025.
From October 12, 2025, the EES will be introduced in European Union countries — an important step towards making the EU one of the most technologically advanced tourist destinations in the world, said Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Technological Supervision, Security and Democracy.
According to her, the EU, in close co-operation with Member States and the transport sector, is creating a safe, efficient and travel-friendly infrastructure that reflects Europe’s commitment to innovation and security.
The EES is a digital platform that will record data on border crossings by third-country nationals arriving in 29 European countries, including the Schengen area, for short stays.
The EES will collect biometric data — fingerprints, facial images and other information — gradually replacing traditional passport stamps. This will improve external border control, detect overstayers and combat document fraud.
The European Commission emphasises that the system meets the highest standards of personal data protection and confidentiality.
The transition to the new system will take place over six months. Data will be entered in stages, and by spring 2026, the EES should be fully operational at all border crossing points. This approach will give both travellers and the transport industry time to adapt.
Before the launch of the EES, the European Commission, together with relevant agencies, will start an information campaign at airports and other border crossing points. The introduction of the EES is part of the broader Smart Borders initiative, which also includes the ETIAS authorisation system and the expansion of automated border control.
